THE OTHER SIDE OF HOLLYWOOD

By US Karagoz Theatre Company  

THE OTHER SIDE OF HOLLYWOOD is a free adaptation of DELI DUMRUL, one of the oldest Turkish literary works, believed to have been written in the 10th century as part of the DEDE KORKUT stories. Rewriting and transporting the tale to Hollywood, Ayhan Hulagu weaves a fantastical world where humor, tradition, and modernity intertwine across cultures.

The story of DELI DUMRUL, a part of the DEDE KORKUT tales, revolves around a brave but arrogant warrior named Dumrul. He builds a bridge in a desolate area and seeks to profit unjustly from those who cross it. One day, a man dies near the bridge, prompting Dumrul to challenge Azrael, the Angel of Death. God punishes to teach him humility: Dumrul must find someone willing to sacrifice their life for him.

In this new adaptation, the tale is transported to Hollywood, with Karagöz, literally Black-Eye, who is the hero of traditional Anatolian shadow play, now taking up Dumrul’s role at the bridge. But this bridge is unlike any other—it connects good and evil, beauty and ugliness, this world and the afterlife. Karagöz, continuing to pursue unjust gains, crosses paths with Azrael once again. To save his life, he must find another soul to take his place. Along the way, he encounters stars like William Shakespeare, Charlie Chaplin, and Marlon Brando, who have crossed from the other world to this one, leading to humorous and entertaining attempts to get what he needs.

Combining the story of DELI DUMRUL, listed by UNESCO as part of humanity’s cultural heritage, with traditional Anatolian shadow theater, also recognized by UNESCO, Ayhan Hulagu builds a cultural bridge between traditions. The artist crafts all characters by hand, transferring them onto leather in the traditional style, and performs every role himself, bringing the tale to life in a one-of-a-kind performance.

*Tickets are non-refundable.

**Tickets are also available at the door beginning 45 minutes prior to each show.